Is TSA PreCheck Really Worth It? My Honest Opinion

I just renewed my TSA PreCheck, and people always ask me about it. So, I’m going to share what I really think and if it’s worth it.

Well, if I renewed it, it must have some kind of value to me. Yes, it has been convenient and overall decent.

I’ll tell you all about the process and my experience. That way you can decide if it’s right for your travels. 

Is It Worth It to Get TSA PreCheck?

For background, the TSA PreCheck started in 2013. I wasn’t in the program in the earlier days, so I can’t tell you what it was like back then.

I’ve had mine for the last 5 years, and started during the COVID days. So, I’ll jog back through memory lane a bit.

The Application

The initial application process wasn’t too bad. I enrolled online, with my personal information, and it may have taken me less than 30 minutes.

They’ll ask for the typical identifiers such as your social security number, driver’s license, address, etc.

After that, I received an email to schedule an appointment to come in person. So I made one to come to LAX.

Remember, this was during COVID, so there weren’t any kind of walk-ins.

In-Person Appointment

I actually had some trouble finding the place because the cubby wasn’t clearly labeled. Anyway, it was downstairs at Terminal 1 by baggage claim.

And when I did find it, there wasn’t anyone there. So I waited for about 20-30 minutes. 

Then a lady finally went to the booth. She didn’t greet me, so I approached her, saying I had an appointment. 

She asked for my name and verified it. Then she explained that she was the only one working and had to take a lunch.

Anyway, she asked for my driver’s license and birth certificate. Then she took my fingerprints.

She asked me a couple of questions and had me verify if all the information was true. Then I signed and paid. 

The fee was $85 at this time, and I received the receipt through email.

Known Traveler Number

The day after I got my fingerprints, TSA sent me an email. It said they reviewed my application and that I was eligible for the program.

I’d receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to use when making flight reservations. I literally got an email right after with the KTN.

I was actually surprised at how quick this process was!

Using the KTN

When booking a flight, airlines will ask for the KTN somewhere in the process. You can put it in before checking out.

But if you forget, or if someone else buys the ticket for you, you can go back and edit it later.

And if you don’t, you can also enter it when checking in at the airport before your flight. 

But you might have to wait a few minutes before going through the PreCheck line.

I was on an international flight last year. My KTN was entered on the ticket when I checked in at LAX.

Then I went through the TSA PreCheck line, and the agent informed me that I wasn’t in the program. 

There was no need for her attitude, but who knows what they deal with all day?

So went back to the airline check-in desk. They confirmed that the KTN was entered, but that it might take about 15 minutes to go through. 

I wished they had told me that earlier!

So, I waited a while and got in the PreCheck line again. This time, I encountered another agent who was much nicer and went right through.

TSA PreCheck Lines

LAX is the airport I’m usually departing from, and the TSA lines can be really long. But I can say that the PreCheck line is faster.

When I used to stand in the regular line, it seemed so slow. In the PreCheck line, you don’t need to separate things from your luggage.

For example, you usually have to take out your small quart bag of liquids, belts, jacket, and laptop. I don’t need to do that or take off my shoes with PreCheck.

I just throw my stuff on the conveyor belt and walk through the scanner. It’s pretty smooth.

The process has been pretty much the same at other airports I’ve gone through too.

Renewing TSA PreCheck

As I mentioned, I just renewed mine, as it only lasts for 5 years. I received an email a while back to remind me of this.

Then I received another email. Mine will expire in June, so they notified me well in advance.

It was just as simple as going online and answering a few questions. I didn’t have to go in person, and just paid the fee of $58 to renew.

Within a few hours, I received an email from TSA stating I’m eligible for the program. They also notified me that I’ll receive a new KTN.

So, I plan to keep renewing since this part isn’t much of a hassle.

Is It Worth It?

For me, it’s 100% worth it. I’ll tell you why.

I often fly with people who don’t have TSA PreCheck. I’ll end up waiting for them when I’m done going through the line.

If we get in line at the same time, I might end up waiting 10-15 minutes for them to go through the TSA line. 

So I can’t say it’ll save you so much time that it’s life-changing. 

But it does save me the hassle of having to separate stuff in my luggage and take off my shoes. I still end up waiting for the rest of my party.

The initial $85 fee I paid lasted me for 5 years. So doing the math, I essentially paid $17 per year.

Plus, I do fly frequently (several times a year), so it does pay off. If you rarely fly (once or less a year), I’m not sure it’s worth it.

Additional Notes

I’ll mention that I don’t have any felonies or misdemeanors. If you have been arrested, you won’t be eligible for the program.

It’s best to read through the eligibility rules for the program before applying.

Although I got my KTN pretty quickly, the small print said it could take up to 60 days. So I’d give them ample time in case it does take longer.

Also, I’m not enrolled in CLEAR+, which is another program. I checked online, and you can get PreCheck for free when enrolling in CLEAR+.

Final Thoughts

In my case, the TSA PreCheck application process was pretty quick. My experience with it has been satisfactory.

It has saved me some time and hassle, not having to go through the regular line. So, if you fly a lot like I do, you might consider getting it. 

More About Travel 

I have many other related posts on my blog. You might want to check them out. 

• Would you like to know how to get a refund from a bad hotel stay?

• I’ll tell you how I manage to travel with allergies. 

• Do you worry about getting sick while traveling? I’ll tell you how to handle it.

I’d love to hear about your travel adventures!

Originally published: March 17, 2026